Military-Exclusive Launch Site 'Jeonnam Goheung' Strongly Considered [Yang Nak-gyu's Defence Club]

"Plans to Start from Next Year After Discussions on Space Aviation Agency"
Optimal Location Selected Considering Orbit and Industrial Conditions

Gohung, Jeonnam is being strongly considered as a candidate site for a military-exclusive land launch pad. Gohung, Jeonnam is home to the Naro Space Center and has a suitable launch environment, making it an optimal location.

On the 7th, a government official stated, "We are reviewing several domestic candidate sites considering satellite orbit, safety, and efficiency," adding, "Once the Korea Aerospace Agency (KASA) opens in May, discussions will proceed in earnest, with plans to start next year."

The military is developing a solid-fuel launch vehicle. This vehicle will carry a micro low Earth orbit reconnaissance satellite and will be launched from a dedicated launch site. The 425 project aims to secure five medium-sized reconnaissance satellites by 2025, including one electro-optical (EO) and infrared (IR) reconnaissance satellite and four synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. Subsequently, by around 2030, the plan is to deploy at least 40 micro satellites weighing less than 100 kg each to establish a dense surveillance network over North Korea.

The orbit where the military intends to place the satellites is a sun-synchronous orbit. Since this orbit revolves around the Earth in a north-south direction, it is suitable for monitoring North Korea. The Naro Space Center is expected to have no issues placing military-exclusive satellites into sun-synchronous orbit. An industrial environment for assembling launch vehicles is also established.

Jeju Island is also considered a strong candidate site. It offers a wider range of launch azimuths, allowing launches in directions close to 150 to 180 degrees, which can avoid the Japanese archipelago. This means various satellites can be launched. However, opposition from Jeju residents as well as environmental groups is anticipated. In 1998, Jeju Island attempted to build a space center but was thwarted by strong resistance from the local residents.

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